Chiang Mai - Thailand

My nephew David Allen, along with his wife Michelle and their two children are part of this great mission team in Chiang Mai.

Christmas List

"For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

It's almost Christmas day. The day we celebrate our Lord and Saviour's birth. Most of us have finished shopping or making presents for all our family and friends on our list. Just a few more hours and those we love will receive their gifts that we have taken the time to find for them and in return we will be opening gifts that they have given to us.

It can be a wonderful season for us as we think about giving to others. It doesn't have to be an expensive present, just something that shows them our love and thankfulness for them. It's a time when we think about the homeless and those who are lonely, sick, or in prison. It reminds us to think of someone other than ourselves.

But when was the last time we put Jesus on our Christmas list? Or how do we acknowledge that He is in the list? We remember His words, "when you do it for others, you do it for me" but do we understand the meaning behind that? Scripture tells us that we are being changed into the image of Christ and that is something most of us yet can't grasp the meaning. I know what it means to me...but what does it mean to you? Have you thought about being like Christ Jesus? Do you recognize Christ Jesus in others? This is how we give our gifts to Christ. For all who belong to Him are being changed into His image. Is Jesus on your Christmas list?

Happy birthday Jesus!

The Journey

"And Jesus said to them, Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them. And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:3-6

Because of the way my life is, I normally don't sit around our house. I have recently because of a health problem and yesterday had surgery. So, I have time to think about things and get reacquainted with our stuff. Stuff that we have been acquiring for many years. We are certainly not extravagant in what we purchase, but I am amazed at how much stuff we have. Especially the needless stuff like trinkets!

Jesus sent the 12 apostles out and told them to leave their stuff behind. Take nothing. God would be their provider and they will have what they need. They were also given the gift of healing as they went through the villages spreading the gospel. There was nothing in their way to distract them from their mission.

How hard is it for us to do these things? To leave all behind to follow Jesus. We think we need our stuff for the journey. And sometimes, I guess we do. Not all are called to the type of ministry the apostles had...but all of us are called to do the same things. To spread the gospel and be light to a dark world.

I guess as I reflect on this, I come to the conclusion that I spend more time on keeping my stuff instead of releasing it. I work hard to make sure our stuff stays safe and we have the comforts of life around us. I need to balance that out. I wrote a song many years ago where the chorus says;

I have more than enough, I have more than I need
Is the state of my heart lost in this age of greed?
How can I carry this cross that You've given to me?
Heal the state of my heart.

It's a good reminder as we are coming up on Christmas. I haven't had time to go buy more "stuff" for our family. I hope I can keep it reasonable. Merry Christmas all.

April 26, 2008

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

I often get into discussions with people who are overwhelmed by the sickness of our world. The murders including abortion, adultery, hate, pride, greed, lack of self-control, disease, famine, natural disasters...and on and on. Many of these people claim Christ as Lord and Saviour and I am always concerned by the way they think that it's the "world's" problem that we live in such a godless society.

The verse above is constantly thrown out to the church. You'd think that at some point and time we might actually take this incredible truth, believe it, and actually do what God is calling us to do.

God isn't telling the world (unbelievers) to do this...He is telling believers to do this! Repent, turn from your wickedness, humbly approach His throne and seek His face...pray and He will hear us, turn our hearts around and heal our land. The problem isn't the world's problem, it's ours. It's all of us who believe in the Lord God Almighty, and His son, Jesus the Christ, Saviour of all mankind.

Today is a good day to get started on this. Each one of us has the ability to start the process with those whom we know. To band together and humbly ask the Lord to cleanse us from the selfishness that has invaded our hearts and minds...and repent to allow the Lord to heal us and heal our lands.

The time is short. Even the world recognizes this. Now, it's up to us who believe to repent and allow the Lord to heal us and bring this world to order.

April 26, 2008, hopefully, the church will all be together as one for the purpose of healing our world. But it needs to start with each of us today. Whether you agree with the doctrines of those who are trying to get the church together for this day should not matter!
Please consider your part and join in if you can! http://www.reigndownusa.com

Giving Thanks

"It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phillippians 1:9-11

Happy Thanksgiving!

Condemnation

"Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Matthew 7:1-3

This comes from the sermon on the mount where Jesus is talking to the Jews who started following after him. He was teaching them how they should treat each other. The word for judge would probably be better translated by using the word "condemn". Quit condemning each other! Why condemn someone in something when in another area of life you are just as bad as the one you are condemning. Seems like we still haven't learned to do that.

It's sad how each denomination uses certain doctrines to condemn each other with. One says that if you're not baptized...you are not saved. One says if you take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner...you're history. One says if you don't follow the law then you are missing it and not worthy of being called a believer. If you don't do it our way, believe our way, exactly the way we believe...you are a heretic and not a "true believer" and are condemned.

I try to read and study as much as I can. Because of the internet, I am able to find a massive amount of material to study and learn from. But it's a bit scary out there. I fell into some blogs the other day that at first glance, seemed to be decent blogs. Then I realized their whole purpose was to condemn others for not following the "scriptures" exactly the way they believed. I think pretty much every known minister, church, author, was found to be heretics and sinners that were damned to hell for preaching "another gospel". Now, believe me, some that they were talking about are clearly walking outside of the Christian faith...but most of them were believers who just didn't see certain scriptures the way they understood them. Because of this, it was not just judging them by their fruit...but it was pure "condemnation". How sad that some feel that their purpose is to destroy others by making fun of them, calling them names, and never trying to teach and rebuke in love. Love..was the last thing I saw coming from these sites. Love...was not the point. Love...had no place to try and restore those whom they thought had walked away from the "truth".

I admit that when I hear or read things that I disagree with...it's hard not to just slam them for being so ignorant of the Word! But...as believers we need to be careful. We need to be reminded that none of us see the complete picture yet. We all see in part by our lack of knowledge, experience, maturity, faith, understanding...and as we condemn each other for that, we will also reap condemnation.

Sure...some purposely teach false doctrines for their own personal gain or glory. But we need to be stronger than that and be wise on how we present the "Gospel".

Today may be the day.

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you." John 16: 13-14

For years I have studied and looked for "the things that are to come". I have asked the Lord to guide me by his Spirit and to reveal his plan. I've looked and still look for the signs...and probably like everyone since Jesus ascended to the Father on a cloud, have been confused by what I'm looking for.

Thousands of articles and books have been written about the coming of Jesus. I've read half of them! and just when I think I have a "truth" about something...it seems that something else comes up that disqualifies that truth.

I've come to the conclusion that however anyone decides how it will happen or when it will happen...I can probably ignore it! Even if some are right on the timing...when it happens it will probably not look like or seem like what anyone has suggested. So where do I go from here?

Hopefully, I'm going to simplify my search. I'm going to walk through each day believing God will accomplish everything he wills...and I will trust in him, and by faith, live as if he is coming today.

In defense...

There's a website that has the complete "promo" by John Hagee for his newest book "In Defense of Israel". I don't know much about this website, I was directed there to listen to this promo on the book.

Hear for yourself what John Hagee says: http://threshingfloor.onevoicemm.net/weblog/?p=868

As much as I wanted to blast this man immediately upon hearing and seeing this promo, I decided to go purchase the book to see if what his promo says is backed up by the book.

This is what he says:

• The Jewish people, as a whole did not reject Jesus as Messiah.

• Jesus did not come to Earth to BE the Messiah.

• Jesus refused by word and deed to be the Messiah.

• The Jews cannot be blamed for not accepting what was never offered.

What can I say...yes, it is in the book too. Hagee says he believes that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of mankind. His understanding of Jesus' purpose for the Jews is laid out in the book and as you read you could easily get caught up in his theology...if you choose to ignore a lot of other scriptures too.

I don't know Hagee. I've listened to him off and on (sort of as I passed by a station) and do not agree with some of his theology and especially his eschatology. But hey, I'm a little off too!

I think this is a dangerous book and will lead to things that we wished it would have never led us too. It scares me that Christians like Hagee seem to forget that as believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to love. So, calling for us/Israel to strike first before "they"can strike us....just doesn't seem right.

But, to agree with Hagee on something, He says that no matter what some try to do to trigger world events (which he certainly seems to be trying to do), nothing will happen unless it is God's will and God's timing. I feel that this may be part of God's timing...and His will, will be done whether Hagee has it right or wrong.

Go into all the world...

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

I love this picture. This is my dad doing exactly what the Lord had asked his disciples to do. A simple farmer from Texas, the Lord called him to minister in Korea and he landed there in 1954 right after the Korean war had come to an end. For over thirty years he preached the Gospel to the "nations" and baptized them. He sent hundreds out to mission fields to many nations from a small college that he established to what is now a University. The nations are hearing the Gospel, believing the Gospel, and living the Gospel.

This is what we are all called to do. It doesn't matter who you are, where you are, what you do, or where you are going...present the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Love the way Jesus loved and be a light to the world.

Quotes

I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.--H.G. Wells

A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act. --Mahatma Gandhi

Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ's 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. –Unknown

Dancing with Jesus (Lifehouse's Everything Skit)

We struggle with the things and ways of this world. Reach out to Jesus again. The Dance can begin today.

Belief

"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name."
John 20:30-31

Belief is a gift from God. Just like grace. Just like faith. Some get a lot of it and some receive just a small amount. Maybe it's as small as a mustard seed, but it's still there and it's enough.

Oils on this Canvas

God had us in mind from the beginning.
He created the oils, the canvas, and painted a beautiful picture.
We are that picture.

Spread the Good News.

The Barbarian Way

"The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out - until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels." Exodus 40:34-38

The civilized build shelters and invite God to stay with them; barbarians move with God wherever He chooses to go. The civilized Christian has a routine; the barbarian disciple has a mission. The civilized believer knows the letter of the law; the barbarian disciple lives the spirit of the law. The religiously civilized love tradition; the barbarians spirit loves challenges. The civilized are satisfied with ritual; barbarians live and thrive in the mystical. For the civilized disciple, religion provides stability and certainty; for the barbarian, a life in God is one of risk and mystery.
And maybe even a little insanity. There's no way to escape that barbarians can appear out of their minds. No reasonable person would ever fully follow God everywhere He calls. God is simply unreasonable. (from the book: The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus * Published by Nelson Books)

May we all choose "The barbarian way!"

My son, do not forget

"My son, do not forget my teachings, but let you heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, so you will find favor and understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:1-6

After fourteen years of giving every word of advice to my son, I still feel that I haven't done or said enough to help him face the world on his own. So many things run through my brain and I wonder if I was able to communicate it to him....just in case he came across a situation where he would have to make a decision that could possibly change his life. How do you let go?

I was reading today and ran across the scripture above. Did I teach my son the commandments? I know I lived it...but was he watching? Did he recognize the ways of the Lord...or was I just a little too human and wasn't the example that he needed to see?

I remember when I was young and left home. I'm sure my parents wondered about me! I'm sure they were afraid that I never listened or cared about their faith. But I did. It was bound around my neck and written on the tablets of my heart - though I may have not felt or seen them, I know I certainly tried to ignore them, but there it was. And one day tragedy happened and God came. His Word came and melted my heart and His Love came and covered me in such mercy and grace that I was overwhelmed by His compassion. Then I knew. This was Truth. This is what my life was created for. To love and serve God. I wait patiently for that day to see the same for our sons. That day will come. God promised.

Hot or cold?

"To the messenger of the church in Laodicea, write: The amen, the witness who is faithful and true the source of God's creation, says: I know what you have done, you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I'm going to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I'm rich. I'm wealthy. I don't need anything. 'Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

I advise you: Buy gold purified in fire from me so that you may be rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them so that you may keep your shameful, naked body from showing. Buy ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. Take this seriously, and change the way you think and act. Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together. I will allow everyone who wins the victory to sit with me on my throne, as I have won the victory and have sat down with my Father on his throne. Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 13: 14-22

I think as we read what the Spirit says to the church of Laodicea, we recognize that many of us have become a part of that church. We have given into the teachings of man, rather than listening to the heart of God. We compromise our call by being neither hot or cold in our walk with Jesus. We perform religion rather than living our lives being led by the Spirit.

The day is coming, and even here, as followers of Christ are being silenced by the religions of the world. Will we continue to be silent? Will we dare to die to self and live for Christ? Let us all join in the battle and love as Jesus loved...without compromising our faith and the Truth. Choose to be hot or cold...being lukewarm is not an option.

Giving all

"Looking up, Jesus saw people, especially the rich, dropping their gifts into the temple offering box. He noticed a poor widow drop in two small coins. He said, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor widow has given more than all the others. All of these people have given what they could spare. But she, in her poverty, has given everything she had to live on." Luke 21:1-4

May we all learn to give. Learn to die to self. Learn to look to God for all our needs. I don't know how to do that yet, but boy, do I wish I could have that kind of faith and live that way. I know that's what we are all called to do, but, I still have a lot of the world living in me and it keeps telling me that dying to self and giving all is irresponsible. Is it? I don't yet. I haven't had (haven't chosen) to live that way. I assume that at some point in our lives, especially if the world continues down the path we are going, we will have to learn how to have faith. How to give. How to die to self. How to love. How to be like Jesus.

The Call - 07/07/07

"John the Baptizer appeared in the desert of Judea. His message was, "Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:1-2

Living in Nashville it was only a 20 minute drive to LP Field, home to the TN Titans. For others in my family it was a 31 hour flight from Thailand and a 12 hour drive from Texas...and for the other 80,000 plus who came to The Call, who knows how long it took and what sacrifices were made to be with believers for the purpose of repenting, fasting, praying, and worship with a house full of believers in Jesus.

This being an event led by those who are of the charismatic persuasion, it was sad how few churches in our area promoted the event and didn't encourage believers to attend. Love and unity...such a hard thing for the church. We pride ourselves on accepting non-believers into the fold, but we stand strong against those who believe in Jesus, the Saviour of all mankind, because of petty differences in doctrines. Even with that said, there were believers from all denominations , cultures, nations, that joined together and spent about 14 hours straight, asking the Lord to unite us all as a people.

As the Lord seems to be preparing His people for revival, the world seems to be getting closer and closer to another world war. This is a time that we must stand and unite, put away the silly differences, and seek the Lord in all we do. God will unite us...one way or another. I just pray that we will stand together as His church, one people, in days to come.

Pray

"As council members listened to Stephen, they became noticeably furious. But Stephen was of the Holy Spirit. He looked into heaven, saw God's glory, and Jesus in the position of authority that God gives. So Stephen said, "Look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man in the position of authority God has given him!"

But the council members shouted and refused to listen. They they rushed at Stephen with one purpose in mind, and after they had thrown him out of the city, they began to stone him to death. The witnesses left their coats with a young man named Saul.

While council members were executing Stephen, he called out. "Lord, Jesus, welcome my spirit. Then he knelt down and shouted, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them." After he had said this, he died." Acts 7: 54-60

Stephen is considered the first martyr of the church. From that day to the present, millions of followers of Jesus have had to make the same stand as Stephen made. Most of us sit in the comfort and safety of our homes and rarely think about those who are being persecuted and killed for their belief in Jesus. We live in countries that allow this freedom of faith, and since we don't experience the persecution first hand , we tend not to think about it.

I encourage us all to pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world. A good source to find news about what is going on with the our persecuted believers is the website Persecution.org. Bookmark that page and go to it often to pray for those who are truly living a persecuted life.

May the Lord Jesus come back quickly and may we remain faithful as we wait for His return.

Fast & Pray

There is a great revival going on in America and across the world. Starting Memorial Day and going for 40 days to 7/7/07, believers are called to fast and pray. For those of you who have never been a part of something like this, I would challenge you to take part in it.

The ending day will be a time of worship and praise and will be held in Nashville at LP Field, home of the TN Titans.

Fasting can be anything from 1 meal a day to the full 40 day fast. "Pray without ceasing" is the call from the apostle Paul. I hope some of you will consider to be a part of this. This has nothing to do with the call to any particular "denomination" but a call to those who love and believe in the Lord...the Church! Visit this site to learn more: http://www.thecall.com

Saul becomes Paul

From Islam to Christ. Khalil, A radical Egyptian terrorist changed from a murderous "Saul" to a forgiving "Paul" after Jesus Christ visited him in a soul-penetrating dream. This hater of both Christians and Jews set out to discredit the Bible, but instead, he was transformed when Jesus appeared to him and changed his heart.

http://dreamsandvisions.com/

That's My King!

"Rev. SM Lockridge describes the King of Kings with a stream of superlatives and adjectives, powerfully and majestically - He's Indescribable! (more)"

Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, San Diego CA
from 1953 - 1993

I found this on one of the websites I visit often. http://www.notjustnotes.ws

You will enjoy this!

Jesus in China

May we all desire to follow Jesus. Should you take the time to view the videos below...it will change your heart and give you more of a reason to stand strong in your faith.

For more information on those who created these films: ChinaSoul

Seeds of Blood - Episode 1 of "The Cross - Jesus in China"



The Bitter Cup - Episode 2 of "The Cross - Jesus in China"



The Spring of Life - Episode 3 of "The Cross - Jesus in China"



The Canaan Hymns - Episode 4 of "The Cross - Jesus in China"

Whatever you do...DO IT!!!

"Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

One of the things I try to do in my job, is go beyond what any one expects me to do. I learned this from my dad...but I have a long way to go to be considered like him. He was an extremely hard worker and even though he was a minister and teacher, you would often find him in the fields of Korea helping farmers, in villages working on homes, picking up trash along the roads we walked, serving the poor as he found them or they found their way to him...and in our own house he was mopping the floors, washing dishes, raking the lawn, or fixing things that were broken. He was always whistling or singing a hymn and everyone around him knew that life was good no matter what circumstance you might find yourself in at the moment. They knew that he knew the Source of life.

Though I am sort of like my dad in the physical aspect of work...I am not quite like him in the spiritual part yet. For some reason, maybe it's my generation, or maybe it's my lack of love...but I am always judging others at how lazy and inconsiderate they are for not caring about their work! Not all people...but mostly the ones who claim to be believers in Jesus and say they desire to walk in His ways.

It makes me sad that this has become such an issue with me. I tend to think about this a lot these days and I keep trying to figure out why I do...and why I care so much about this!

Since another situation came up this week with a "believer" who seems to not care that what was done (or should I say, not done) has affected so many others who were depending on her to do her job, this has been a week of anger for me. I want so bad to confront...but at the same time I have been beaten down for so long with those who seem to not care, that I want to just ignore the whole thing and never allow myself to be a part of this persons life.

Prayer is an option here. I can pray and pray and pray, and maybe one day this person will finally see that when she doesn't "work as you're serving the Lord" you make a bad impression on those who don't know the Lord, as well as, the ones that do know the Lord and were depending on her. Or I could pray and pray and pray, and maybe one day the Lord will break my heart and allow me to see that we've all got problems and I need to take the log out of my own eye before I pull the splinter out of someone else's eye!

I hate it when I write and something like this comes out! I just want to be angry and a bit self-righteous! I want to be right and kick a little dust and shake my fist at those who don't have it together...and could care less that they don't have it together!

Oh well, I really do want to be like my dad. Sing and rejoice as I work and give my all to those I come in contact with. I hope I can do that one day. But honestly, I hope all of us believers will want to be that way...it sure would help our stress level and I would imagine it might change the world a bit.

Walk with Jesus folks. Whatever you do, work hard and give it your all. Just like you were doing it for the Lord. Remember, so many will only see Jesus when they see you.

Judas - friend or foe?

"Then Judas, who betrayed him, asked, "You don't mean me, do you, Rabbi?" "Yes, I do," Jesus replied." Matthew 26:25

"One disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, was near him at the table. Simon Peter motioned to that disciple and said, "Ask Jesus whom he's talking about!" Leaning close to Jesus, that disciple asked, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "He's the one to whom I will give this piece of bread after I've dipped it in the sauce." So Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. Then, after Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, "Hurry! Do what you have to do." John 13:23-27

The National Geographic own the rights to the "Gospel of Judas". This was recently released for public reading and viewing and has already had quite a few scholars write books about the text.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/document.htm

I spend a lot of time reading and researching what "scholars and theologians" are saying about the scriptures and other writings relating to the Christian faith. Many of them are so involved in trying to find reason to not believe in Jesus...that at times, it's comically sad to read their thoughts.

http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/?ml_video=85406

I do understand why it's important to research these writings. Just knowing how "Scripture" was deemed "Scripture" should make us all desire to study and research the writings of the past. Just look at all those "who believe" and we see that our understanding and our translation of "Scripture" is based on how we have been taught to believe...or how we've been taught to translate languages into our own language.

There is one thing that we can count on as we grow in our faith. Jesus didn't leave us completely on our own to figure it all out. Jesus said, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper who will be with you forever. That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it doesn't see or know Him. You know Him, because He lives with you and will be in you." John 14: 16-17

I believe God has given us the "Scriptures". I believe the "Spirit of Truth" confirms this in our hearts...even when we don't understand or agree. Certainly Paul and Peter had their arguments!

Won't it be great when Jesus comes and we will all see and understand!

Keep looking to Jesus and trust the "Spirit of Truth".

Pursuing the faith.

"But these miracles have been written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in Him."
John 20:31

I love to read and study the Scriptures. I am constantly learning and seeing how the Lord continues to change my heart and mind as I pursue a life that is a reflection of Him. I don't do a great job at being a reflection of my Lord and Saviour, but I hope that one day I will be like Him.

Beside reading Scripture, I read a lot from those who have also pursued or are pursuing their faith. I read the writings of people who are in nearly every denomination, and faith. I want to understand how they came to their conclusions since most of them read the same Scriptures that I read. It's a strange thing to know that we all read the same scriptures...yet, we all have our slant on what the scriptures say!

Having walked in the faith of Jesus Christ for many years now, I have come to a place where I realize that those who love and follow Jesus are doing exactly what I do. They are pursuing their relationship with God and desiring that God reveal His Truth. Why we all come to different understandings? I have no clue! But I pray that we continue to seek Jesus and live as people who love and desire fellowship with those who believe, and desire to love those who don't believe and be an example of Christ to them.

One day we will all see clearly. We all will understand. But no matter who you are, what church you attend, whether you have no faith or a ton of faith, keep pursuing. For those of you who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, I could never give you or teach you to believe. But I do know Jesus can and will.

Good Friday & Easter

"At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud vocie, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"...Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice and died." Mark 15:33,34,37

I have always found the term "Good Friday" to be strange words for what was to have happened on that day 2000 plus years ago. Traditionally, Jesus was to have died on "Good Friday" and I assume that was "good" because with His death, life would be given to mankind. The thought is "good" but how he was tortured and hung on a cross, certainly doesn't bring the word "good" to my mind!

I also have been at odds with the tradition of the "church" in how it has become truth that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday. I'm certainly not a theologian, nor a mathematician, but Jesus made it clear that he would die and 3 days and 3 nights later, he would rise (Matthew 12:40). Tradition teaches Jesus died Friday afternoon, buried before sundown, Saturday, then Saturday night, and then He rises on Sunday morning. Two days. Sort of.

When I studied this many years ago, I came to my conclusion of this strange tradition. Since the newly found state/church under Constantine, many traditions and newly created doctrines started to not only be taught, but forced on the people to help control and bring peace...or "fear" to keep people in line and give them reason to live under the newly formed government/religion.

Simple reading of scripture and other materials available from that period, you find that at the time of Passover, an 8 day long festival, Jesus was crucified in the middle of Passover and rose from the dead at the end of it. So many pictures of this throughout Scripture!

So does this matter at how we look at this day? I personally think it does. Bad doctrine is bad doctrine. This particular doctrine has become truth to many...and the only way it has become that, is that certain "religious wise men" have decided that the "Scriptures" are flawed...but after years and years of examining the Scriptures, I see more and more how God doesn't make mistakes in presenting His Truth. I may not understand all of it...but, I believe God is much bigger than man.

Easter Sunday:

"The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid! I know you're looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He's not here. He has been brought back to life as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Then go quickly, and tell His disciples that He has been brought back to life. He's going ahead of them into Galilee. There they will see Him. Take note that I have told you." They hurried away from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to tell His disciples."
Matthew 28:5-8

There were many witnesses to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. I believe the witness of the many. I believe them not because they witnessed and knew Jesus personally, but I believe them because now I know Him personally.

He has risen! Hallelujah!

What would Jesus do?

"Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is the meaning of Moses' Teachings and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

I was talking to a gentleman the other day at our baseball training center. They have been coming for a few weeks and seem to be enjoying the progress they are seeing with the instruction that they are being given. The father was in a talkative mood and as we sat watching one of my trainers teach his son, he started talking about all sorts of things.

Because we have a scripture on our business website, most everyone who walks in the door know that we are believers in Jesus. We don't push our beliefs on anyone...but many that come, after a few weeks will start asking questions about our faith. They seem to see a difference in the way they are treated and feel comfortable that we are not the typical "christians" pushing an agenda.

Anyway, in my conversation with this man, I asked him what he did for a living. He was in construction. A type that mainly folks who have more money than the average would call on.
Without any other question than that, he said an odd thing. He said something like, "It's a great business and I've done well, but one of my biggest problems has been working with all these "born again Christians" with their Lexus, Mercedes, BMW 's that have that fish on the back of their cars. They scream the loudest, always try to get me to come down on the price, and then when I complete the job I have a hard time collecting my money." I knew exactly what he meant. I spent 25 years in the "Christain" music business!

Isn't it sad that this type of conversation has become common among people? Maybe it's not so bad outside the "Bible Belt"...but here, right in the middle of it all, I hear, and witness this type of attitude toward believers in Christ. How sad.

My encouragement to all of us who believe...love your neighbor. Respect them and give them the honor due to them. Show them Jesus.

You are no longer condemned!

"So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned." Romans 8:1

Before the apostle Paul wrote the line above he allowed us to see who he was. A corrupt man sold as a slave to sin. A man that had nothing good living in him and one who continued to do evil things. But he received an insight from God that we all need to see. Evil is present even when we want to do what God wants us to do, but because of Jesus, we have been rescued from a life of sin.

Many of us still walk around as if there is no hope. We look at our lives and feel that we are just not worthy because of how we constantly do things that we know is sin. We feel that God could never allow us eternal life because of how we live this life. Meditate on the scripture above. It's not about who we are...it's about who Jesus is. It's because of His life. It's because of His faith. His obedience. It's because of His victory that we are no longer condemned. This is Good News! Change your mind and your heart and live knowing He has delivered us.

Lost Sheep

"What do you think? Suppose a man has 100 sheep and one of them strays. Won't he leave the 99 sheep in the hills to look for the one that has strayed? I can guarantee this truth: If he finds it, he is happier about it than about the 99 that have not strayed. In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost." Matthew 18:12-14

Translation of Scripture can be misleading at times. In the Scripture above, something is missing that I think is a key to understanding what Jesus was really saying about the lost. Verse 14 in the God's Word translation says: "In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost." Translated in this way makes it sound like the sheep could possibly stay lost and might not ever be found and brought back to the fold.

A more literal translation of this verse is found using the "Young's Literal Translation". In Young's verse 14 reads: "...so it is not the "will" in presence of your Father who is in the heavens, that one of these little ones may perish." The "Concordant Literal Translation" reads: "Thus it is not the "will" in front of your Father Who is in the heavens that one of these little ones should be perishing."

The original word in the Greek for "will" is the word "Thelema". It's meaning according to Strong's Lexicon is:

1. what one wishes or has determined shall be done
   1. of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ
   2. of what God wishes to be done by us
      1. commands, precepts
2. will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure

In my opinion, this puts a whole new meaning to the lost sheep. The "will" of God, or the purpose of God, has been determined. He "will" find the lost and bring them back to fold.

Most of us have been taught that our will can over ride God's will. In other words, we have the choice to be and stay lost. Is that really what Scripture teaches?

"He turned their heart to hate His people, to plot against His servants." Psalm 105:25

"All abiding on the earth are reckoned as naught. According to His will is He doing...with those abiding on the earth." Daniel 4:35

"(He) is operating all in according with the counsel of His will." Ephesians 1:11

"Consequently, then, it is not of him who is willing, nor of him who is racing, but of God, the Merciful." Romans 9:16

"Consequently, then, to whom He will, He is merciful, yet whom He will, He is hardening. Romans 9:18

"Has not the potter the right over the clay, out of the same kneading to make one vessel, indeed, for honor, yet one for dishonor?" Romans 9:21

"Heaven must receive Jesus until the time when everything will be restored as God promised through his holy prophets long ago." Acts 3:21

"For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of believers." 1 Timothy 4:10

"and He Himself is the propitiation (covering) for our sins; and not only ours, but for those of the whole world." 1 John 2:2

These are just a few Scriptures that let us know what is God's will. There is a picture of mankind struggling with life throughout Scripture, and we certainly know how much we struggle today! But we are told that God has the right to make different subjects from the clay. One for honor, one for dishonor. We are told that God is doing what he wills for those abiding on the earth.

I am told that what I believe is considered heresy in the doctrines of the modern "church". It's interesting that the early church held to the doctrine that God was in control and willing that "none should perish". I hope and pray that the Scriptures above have not changed in their meaning...and there are many more that let us know God's will for mankind is that HE is willing to save those He created. I may not fully understand Scripture, or the ways of God...but I do understand the words mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.

Every Scripture is inspired by God

"Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

If I were an auto mechanic, I would have to constantly read and study about how to repair engines. With all the new technology that go into cars, and all the different manufacturers, you would have to be prepared when someone rolls into your shop so that you could fix the problem.

If I were a businessman, I would study to make sure I was on top of things in the business world. If I were a nurse or doctor, I would certainly have to know what was going on in the world of medicine to make sure my patients were taken care of. If I were a teacher, my students would expect me to know the subject I was teaching on.

If I am a Christian, why wouldn't I do the same? Why wouldn't I be going back the the book that has all the information I need to learn and study all that God has written down to be able to help not only myself, but others who need to learn about the ways of God.

We know that many people, including those who claim to be Christians, don't believe that the Word of God, or what we call the Bible, is really the Word of God. Because of the many different doctrines that the denominations teach, most have come to the conclusion that either it's not the Word of God, or no one will be able to really understand the Word of God...so why continue to read and study.

Just like if you are studying for a test in school, if you don't read and study the text, you would never be able to even come to an opinion about the questions given. But if you were to study the text, the history, and look deep into the questions given, you would at least have an opinion on what God is telling His people.

I have to admit, the more I study I seem to have more questions. But the more I study and go to the Source, my faith and belief become stronger. I see that the Word is true...whether I understand it or not at the time, I know that God will give me the answers as I continue to seek Him. The Teacher and the Source of all that I am pursuing to know.

It's easy to let the ministers/pastors/theologians tell us what to think and believe. But just like you, they are still learning and growing in the Lord, maybe not even as fast as you are learning and growing! Stay the course. If you want to know if the Bible, the Word of God, the Scriptures are true and real...read and study. Ask the Lord to give you understanding. He promises in the Scriptures that His Spirit WILL lead you to the Truth.

May we all be diligent in seeking God and His Word.

God spoke the world into existence

"In the beginning God created heaven and earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Spirit of God was hovering over the water. Then God said, "Let there be light!" So there was light. God saw the light was good. So God separated the light from the darkness. God named the light day, and the darkness he named night. There was evening, then morning--the first day." Genesis 1: 1-5

God spoke the world and all things came into existence. For those who have been given the faith to believe, that's not a hard concept to swallow. God is God and He can do anything, in any way He desires to do it. One thing we notice by reading the Scriptures is that as man continues to find proof about the creation, the history of the world, how things are...they seem to find that Scriptures has already given them the answers.

Once again God's own laws prove that the Scriptures are from God. Yes, there will be many who will try to disprove and refuse to believe, but as most things that have come to light in the world of science over the years, I believe man will find that God does things by His own Laws to show us who He is. Follow the links.

http://www.wbko.com/home/headlines/6010621.html
http://www.scienceprovescreation.com/

"The Wild One - Part 3"

"When John's messengers had left, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. "What did you go into the desert to see? Tall grass swaying in the wind? Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear splendid clothes and live in luxury are in royal palaces. Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet. John is the one about whom Scripture says, 'I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way in front of you.' I can guarantee that of all the people ever born, no one is greater than John. Yet, the least important person in the kingdom of God is greater than John." Luke 7:24-28

Wow...can you imagine Jesus saying this about you? "Of all the people ever born, NO ONE is greater than John". What commitment John had to God and to the people. To give up all that was around him and to call people to repent. No other agenda. Repent. Be baptized and repent! Change you ways. Change the direction you're going! Repent. Someone much greater is coming and you need to repent! He's coming to baptize you with fire! Repent. Repent and be baptized!

We need to hear those words more often...but more than hear it, we need to heed them. Jesus is coming just like He did before...and we need to repent and be prepared. He's coming to reign on earth and He's coming and many will reign with him as servants in His kingdom. I want to be one of them. I want to serve our risen Saviour and I hope all of us desire that.

May we become what Jesus said after he talked about John being the greatest ever born up to that time: "Yet, the least important person in the Kingdom of God is greater than John."

The Wild One "Part 2"

"But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he said to them, "You poisonous snakes! Who showed you how to flee from God's coming anger? Do those things prove you have turned to God and have change the way yo think and act. Don't think you can say, 'Abraham is our ancestor.' I can guarantee that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones. The ax is now ready to cut the roots of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire. I baptize you with water so that you will change the way you think and act. But the one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will clean up his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into a barn, but he will burn the husks in a fire that can never be put out." Matthew 3:7-12

It seems pretty obvious that the Pharisees and Sadducees were coming to John for the wrong reasons. Being religious leaders, I'm thinking they thought that if they were to show the people that they respected John and were baptized, the people would still respect them and continue under their leadership. They really weren't interested in changing their ways or wanting to repent and follow God. It's kind of like it is today within our religious systems. We have leaders that refuse to teach the truth for fear of losing their "flock" losing the position, or losing their "job".

John goes on to tell them that God is about to use His ax to cut out the roots that are useless. Roots that will be thrown into a fire. God was about to bring in a people who desire to follow Him and He was capable of making true followers out of the stones that were laying about! Their physical relationship to Abraham didn't matter...it was about their heart.

Our God is a consuming fire. He will clean the threshing floor of our hearts and burn the husks which does not glorify Him. We will become pure wheat. The One John was foretelling would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. A message that the "religious" could not comprehend.

May we lay down our "religion" and follow Jesus.

John the "wild one".

"Later, John the Baptizer appeared in the desert of Judea. His message was, "Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near." Isaiah the prophet spoke about this man when he said, "A voice cries out in the desert: 'Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!'" John wore clothes made from camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey. Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River." Matthew 3:1-6

What I find amazing about John the Baptist is that he was obviously a strange man who refused to be a part of the religious system. He hung out outside the towns, wore strange clothes, ate weird food, and told people to repent and change their ways. To hear his message...people had to find him! What was it that drew them?

We don't talk about sin much these days. We are so bombarded with stuff from the world that we have allowed ourselves to think that looking, speaking, or even doing things that we know should not be part of our character, is just the way it is and it's no big deal to allow it in to our lives. I think that's what drew people to John...they were tired of the sin in their lives and wanted more out of life. They wanted to change and searched the one out that encouraged them to really change and be a part of something much more real than their religious system or their religious leaders provided. It was a heart change...a way to become what God had created them to be. To be more like Him.

In the past 30 and more years, we have seen so many religious leaders fall because of great sin in their lives. We have seen ourselves fall because of sin in our lives...because some of us really refuse to truly repent. To really turn from our sins.

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to save us from our sins. Not only our sins, but the sins of the whole world. May we hear the message of John the Baptist...the message he spoke to the religious ones! May God send more people like John to the church and bring us a new understanding of what it means to repent and what it means to follow Jesus.

Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to oppose an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn your other cheek to him as well. If someone wants to sue you in order to take your shirt, let him have your coat too. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to everyone who asks you for something. Don't turn anyone away who wants to borrow something from you.
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust. If you love those who love you, do you deserve a reward? Even the tax collectors do that! Are you doing anything remarkable if you welcome only your friends? Everyone does that! That is why you must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:38-48

What if President Bush said, "I have decided to take Jesus words and apply them to the situation we find ourselves in with the world. Today...I will not oppose those I believe are evil. I will turn the other cheek and choose to go the extra mile by stopping all that we are doing to fight evil. I have decided to love as Jesus loved, and I ask that all of us pray for those we believe are persecuting us and give them all they ask for, outside of your faith in our Lord."

What would we do as a nation? Since the USA is predominately Christian...would we choose to submit to a leader that would ask us to live and love as Jesus commanded? Would we be willing to lose all that we know as a "free nation" and possibly allow "evil" to come in and take over? We see in scripture and in recent history that that has certainly happened in the past...and now that we all know we are at a place in history where there really is no way to win this war...what are we called to do as believers?

In the flesh...we want to protect our country, our freedom, our way of life...but what about in the Spirit? As followers of Jesus Christ...what should be our response to all that has happened since that dreadful day we know as 9/11? I have heard many a sermons that called us to attack and protect...as well as, we should try to understand and love those who persecute us. It's astounding at the diverse ways Christians read scripture and come to their conclusion of peace or war.

No need to comment or respond to this message...but where do you stand? Knowing what Jesus called each of us to do and what we should be...would it be right to continue in war to protect our way of life? Or is it time to stop and release ourselves into a place of servitude and surrender? A possible "captivity" by another nation...so that one day, maybe years of praying to the Lord for our release...we will be allowed to go free and in to the promise land.

"Indeed, we, too, were once stupid, disobedient, and misled. We were slaves to many kinds of lusts and pleasures. We were mean and jealous. We were hated, and we hated each other. However, when God our Savior made his kindness and love for humanity appear, he saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal. God poured a generous amount of the Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. As a result, God in his kindness has given us his approval and we have become heirs who have the confidence that we have everlasting life. This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to insist on these things so that those who believe in God can concentrate on setting an example by doing good things. This is good and helps other people." Titus 3:3-8

There's nothing we can do to win God's approval. To recieve His mercy and grace, we can't work or do anything that would make ourselves righteous or holy and be able to stand in His presence because of anthing that we are able to do. But because of God's love for us...even before the creation, He chose to send Jesus and make a way for all to be saved. It is because of Jesus and His faith that we are saved. And because of Jesus, those of us who have been given the faith to believe are able to tell others about God's great love for us. We are given the call to tell others and set an example as we walk out our faith. This is a great gift! Freely given to us...tell the world what Jesus did and be an example.

The 10 Commandments...The Laws

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-20

Here in America, there has been a fight on posting the "10 Commandments" in public. Many believers, as well as non-believers are trying to say that we are not bound by those laws anymore and they need not be posted. Some say that we shouldn't post them since they are religious in nature, they offend those who do not follow the religions that tend to believe the laws are worthy of display.

Since most of you who read this come from a Christian background...I wonder how you feel about this particular subject. Not only about "posting the commandments" but what do you feel about all the "laws"? As you know, there are hundreds of them written in the Old Testament. Are they relevant? Do we need to follow them, ignore them, use them as a guideline? What did Jesus mean for those who follow Him?

Let us know what you think. What you believe. What you struggle with...Post your thoughts and hopefully, we can help each other as we walk through this.

Daniel 4

"From King Nebuchadnezzar. To the people of every province, nation, and language in the world. I wish you peace and prosperity. I am pleased to write to you about the miraculous signs and amazing things the Most High God did for me. His miraculous signs are impressive. He uses his power to do amazing things. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom. His power lasts from one generation to the next." Daniel 4: 1-3

Everyday we hear the news of more trouble between the nations. The war is spreading and just the fear of who might do what...is bringing more nations into the picture of wanting to "protect" themselves from what they deem to be "evil empires" out of control. Is there hope for us in this age? Is there hope our leaders will change and we will ever be able to live in peace?

For those of us who believe in the Saviour of the world, Jesus, we know that one day He will rule the nations and there will be peace. Scripture says that the whole earth will be filled with the glory of God and learn of His ways. When and how will this happen? Many have written how it will be...but I think we may be surprised that it doesn't come to pass in the way recent books and movies have portrayed the end!

Take the time to read Daniel 4 today. Here's a great and wonderful story how God intervenes in the lives of leaders. How He used an evil leader to bring about His purpose. Neb came to know God! Gave glory to God and led his nation and proclaimed it to the world.

It all may seem to be out of control...it will probably get alot worse before it gets better..but God in His perfect plan will use the leaders of each nation, good or bad, to bring us to a place of repentence and a place of acknowledging the Most High God.

Scripture says that God places those he chooses in leadership. We are called to pray for them and recognize them as God's chosen. Not just our nations' leader. But every nations' leader. God will use them to bring about HIS purpose. Pray for the leaders of the nations. God can change their hearts and minds whenever HE chooses to do so. Walk in faith, not by sight!

Amazingly and miraculously made.

"You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. My bones were not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, when I was being skillfully woven in an underground workshop. Your eyes saw me when I was only a fetus. Every day [of my life] was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place. How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God! How vast in number they are! If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you."
Psalm 139: 13-18

In our day and age we are bombarded by the media that constantly makes us feel that we need to change ourselves to look like and be like...pick a star. It could be a movie star, a famous writer, musician, politician, athlete, minister, doctor, teacher, scientist...anybody, just not yourself! We are reminded daily that we're overweight, underweight, too tall, too short, too rich, too poor, too old, too young...etc. In other words...we're just never good enough.

I'm all for working to change those things that we need to change! To try and better ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually...but to try and be like "so and so" is where we need to change our way of thinking.

As the scripture above states...God made each of us just the way He wanted us to be. He recorded each day of our lives before we were born and gave each of us a purpose to be whom He created us to be. You can go through your life looking at others who are doing great things and wishing you could do those kinds of things...or you can realize, YOU are amazingly and miraculously made!

Thy will be done...

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:10

I learned a long time ago not to make new year resolutions (promises). It didn't take long to realize that I wasn't any good at keeping my word. And when I broke it, I felt regret and felt the pain of letting myself down as well as others.

Jesus taught us to pray; "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"...not mine. Not ours. But God's will. We can try to will ourselves to do anything, but most of the time when we try to will it on our own, we will fail. Things happen that we don't foresee and before you know it, we have slipped right out of our "resolution or promise". The apostle Paul cried out in Romans 7:

"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner-being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

We need to set goals and continue to try to do the right things for ourselves and others. That's not a bad thing to do! But be wise in what you "promise" to do.